King Fyren sat on the stone throne at the end of the hall. He waited in silence as the two men walked til they stood in front of him. Then, after a little consideration, he pressed a hand to his lips. John smiled.
'You don't have to do that.' He said with a smile. 'Sherlock doesn't and he's an elf.' King Fyren nodded, removing his hand.
'I think on that sense at least we are two of the same likeness. What is the point of strange positions when you can speak your mind and get your point across.' The dwarf's low voice grated. Sherlock nodded with a huff of a laugh.
'But enough of this idle rumblings, we have much to discuss.' The king began. 'Do you wish to be seated? I can arranged something to be brought for you.' He asked, raising his hands to clap.
'No, it will be fine. We'll sit on the floor if it's all the same to you.' John replied. The dwarf lowered his hands with a flicker of confusion.
'If you wish, I suppose.' He replied. John smirked.
'We aren't as fragile or as prim as we seem.' He said. The dwarf king smiled as his reasoning was sussed. The two men at on the floor and shuffled til they were comfortable.
'Now that we're all settled, I have a few questions.' Fyren said. Sherlock nodded and gestured for him to begin. John smiled to show he was listening. They had decided that it was not there place to speak. Well, John had decided that. Sherlock was just being the arrogant git who was to lazy to use his vocal cords.
'First, how is your stay? I know you're not one to ask for things but if there is ever anything you need, you know were we are.' King Fyren said. Sherlock smiled.
'The room is perfect, as always, Our stay has been fine so far but I will not hesitate to ask should anything crop up.' He replied in his silky smooth voice.
I thought the dwarfs hated elves for abandoning them and I thought they hated dragons. John said using his mind.
Normally that is the case but the dwarfs know me and all I have done for them, Morrisa as well, they dote upon me. Came the answer.
'How long do you plan to stay with the Varden?' The dwarf asked.
'I would say a few months. Mycroft sent us saying that there was panic here. I've yet to see this panic so I'm wondering if my brother just wanted us out of the way.' Sherlock replied. The king huffed a laugh.
'I'm afraid your brother is right. There's been a mass state of unease among the humans. They seem to feel safer now that you are here but the threat is still there.' He said.
What threat? John projected to Sherlock, not wanting to ask out loud for fear of sounding like a complete idiot.
For many years, they have been watching a settlement of slave traders who live just outside the entrance. The group knows that we're here and they know the general area where the entrance is but they've never actually found it. But, very passing week they get closer. His partner replied.
But they're just a group of slave traders. They've got no chance against a group this big. The blonde said with confusion.
That would be true if it were any other slave group. This group is over a four thousand strong. It's were all the slave traders in Alagaësia bring their cargo. And to make matters worse, they seem to have acquired magicians to their ranks. Powerful ones. The elf answered. John nodded and returned to the dwarf king.
'And what can we do to help?' He asked. Fyren's laugh echoed round the stone hall, bouncing off the walls in all manner of directions.
'Just being here is enough.' The king chuckled. 'But I'm sure the humans would want you to get rid of the problem altogether. A nasty business this slave trading. I don't understand why humans do it.' He paused for a moment. 'We are holding a feast in two days. I hope you will both find the time to attend. It will be in the large all so there is enough room for Morrisa as well. It as been a long time since we've had guests.' Sherlock accepted almost immediately.
'Of course we'll attend, as long as more pressing issues don't force us away.' The dwarf king smiled, eyes sparkling.
Well, I guess that's all I wanted to see you for. It's been a long time, Vanyali, do find time to grace our halls before you leave again.' Both Sherlock and John looked at each other then bowed slightly and left the hall.